The Izanagi Warriors, also known as 'Dragon's Claws', were founded by Takashi Kurita as an bodyguard unit loyal to him personally. This was done to safeguard against the possibility of a coup against him. It was initially formed from retired veterans.[1]

Originally formed by Takashi Kurita as a secret bodyguard against potential betrayal by his son Theodore. It was initially made up with retired veterans.[1] These veterans swore an oath of loyalty to Takashi Kurita. When he died, the Warriors underwent a crisis of faith until Theodore offered to put them on the DCMS rolls as part of the Coordinator's personal bodyguard.[2]

The coup devastated both the Izanagi Warriors and the Otomo. The two units' survivors joined the 1st Genyosha in fighting the traitors, operating under the control of Sho-shoSajori Mitsotisa. They performed as raiders, noted for their precision and later salvage operations.[9]

On 23 August 3072, the joint unit - in a concerted effort alongside the Xi Galaxy of Clan Nova Cat - assaulted a large Blakist supply base defended by the Forty-second Shadow Division, in the Battle of the Kyoto Zen Arcology Project. The DCMS flanking attack was intended to sow confusion within the Blakist defenses, and though deflected, did just that. A Star was able to breach the rear of the base and set off an enormous chemical explosion, resulting in the destruction of multiple units on both sides and a significant loss to the Blakist ammunition supply.[11]

After the liberation of Luthien in December 3074, the unit was scheduled to be rebuilt around the survivors.[9]

After the Jihad ended, Hohiro Kurita found a new purpose for the Izanagi Warriors. By hand-selecting warriors who had shown unswerving loyalty to the Combine, the Coordinator used the posting as a living award, equivalent to the honor shown a Knight of New Samarkand. The rebuilding Izanagi Warriors were based on New Samarkand in 3079.[13]

The Coordinator uses the Izanagi Warriors as a parallel regiment for the Otomo. Where the Otomo uses the ISF to investigate candidates, the Izanagi Warriors rely on the Order of Five Pillars to investigate their potential recruits. Like the Otomo the Izanagi Warriors are rebuilding slowly and for much the same reason: They do not wish to strip the line regiments of their elite warriors.[14]

Dragon's Claws (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[3]
At this time the Dragon's Claws were mostly made up of retired veterans loyal to Takashi Kurita. Most of their 'Mechs were family-held units that received upgrade kits. As these warriors retired, new warriors brought new 'Mechs to the force, including OmniMechs.[2]

During the Battle of Luthien, NPCs will generally attack the closest Black Dragon unit, ignoring all other units unless the Modified To-Hit number is beneath a certain amount. Unit members receive a negative modifier to hit in all ranged combat and physical attacks against the Black Dragon.[9]